We Are MEaT in Paris: Pour tout le monde!

Literally like our own "Emily in Paris" experience. Leigh was invited out to see Paris with LAFAYETTE DMC - Gerald Buscemi, Westmont Hospitality - Anne Dugenétay.

Travelling to Paris in style via Premium class with Eurostar. We were greeted by - Nadege Benammar (Bobelin) who took us to the check in area and met us once we got through Passport Control. From there it was into the Business Lounge area where there was an array of pastry, meats, cheeses and cereal options. You also had a choice of magazines to take with you for the journey. The transition from lounge to platform was smooth and easy making a wonderful start to the journey.

How we began...

We were seated comfortably in first class where the service was great and the staff were very attentive. We were given food and drink throughout our journey.

Upon arrival at Gare Du Nord, we were greeted by Gerald and Jackie. We were taken to our hotel Crowne Plaza Paris République - Théophile Corson to drop our bags off, a bite of delicious sushi inspired canapés and a glass or two of champagne!

A short walk away was the meeting point where we completed a treasure hunt which took in Le Louvre Antiqaires, Gallerie Vivienne as well as the Domaine Nacionale Palais du Royal to name but a few. All sites I had not seen before. A great way to see hidden gems in Paris.

The Louvre Antiqaires is a hidden gem within Paris, located near the iconic Louvre Museum. This elegant gallery has antiques and fine arts. The gallery is renowned for its exquisite displays of furniture, paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from various periods.

The treasure hunt then directed us to The Domaine Nacionale Palais du Royal which is a magnificent historical site. This Palace was built in the 17th century, the and served as a royal residence which has seen political and cultural activity. The palace's serene gardens which were featured in the program – Emily in Paris.

We then walked through the Gallerie Vivienne is one of Paris's most celebrated covered passages, known for its beautiful architecture. Nestled in the heart of the city, this gallery features a stunning glass roof that allows natural light to illuminate its interior. We explored a variety of boutiques, bookstores, and cafés. The intricate mosaic floors and elegant décor were stunning.

"Quick note on the treasure hunt -I was on the winning team !! "

The Crowne Plaza Paris République - was our home for the night – for a refresh before heading out for the evening. My room was comfortable, contemporary and spacious. It had everything you need to help you relax.

The Crowne Plaza Paris République is a contemporary has a contemporary design. Upon entering, guests are welcomed by a grand lobby that seamlessly merges contemporary design with timeless sophistication. The opulent chandeliers, plush furnishings, and marble floors create an inviting and luxurious ambiance.

The bedroom rooms offer comfort and style, each room has all the amenities you would need for a comfortable stay. The decor is a blend of classic Parisian aesthetics and contemporary touches.

The hotel has beautiful terrace has a beautiful backdrop of a historical Parisian building, which is enjoyed by hotel guests but would be an amazing event space in the summer months. There are also 12 meeting rooms of various sizes which have natural day light. All decorated to a high standard.

You have the Lodge restaurant which is an out door restaurant which is open in the summer. Which would also be a great location for a summer party. You also have the contemporary restaurant - The Dix which serves French cuisine. All these versatile event spaces make this hotel a great option for events.

Our hotel was situated in the Place de la République area. This vast public square is a major crossroads, bordered by bustling boulevards and historic buildings. At the centre of the square stands an imposing statue of Marianne, the symbol of the French Republic, surrounded by sculptures representing Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.

"Place de la République is a popular gathering place for Parisians and visitors alike. This is a place where people hold demonstrations, as well as concerts, and cultural events."

The Moulin Rouge.

On approaching the Moulin Rouge you could see the iconic brightly lit windmill. The Moulin Rouge is such an iconic place. I felt like I was in a film set. The set up wouldn’t have looked out of place in 1920 New York! I could imagine the Ratpack performing here.

It was truly stunning. The heart of the Moulin Rouge is its extravagant main hall. The sumptuous and luxurious red and gold décor. The room is filled with round tables draped with rich, crimson tablecloths, each one topped with a flickering candle, again just like 1920’s New York! The walls are adorned with ornate murals and vintage posters, capturing the history and spirit of this legendary venue.

The balcony overlooking the main hall offers a perfect vantage point. The balcony is adorned with elegant wrought-iron railings and plush and luxurious velvet seating.

The show was unique, immersive and quirky. It had a variety of acts such as: show girl dancing, clowns, acrobatics, strong men, a swimming pool rising up from the stage and a whole host of artistic entertainment.

This fun, unique and quirky experience is like nothing I have experienced.

"This is something I have had on my bucket list for many years and it didn’t disappoint!"

The next day we continued our Parisian adventure and were hosted on a wonderful boat trip along the River Seine. As we boarded the glass-roofed and windowed boat, we were instantly captivated by the panoramic views that surrounded us. The gentle glide of the boat allowed us to take in the iconic landmarks of Paris, all while enjoying a delightful lunch.

The experience was truly magical, whilst sailing along the River Seine we took in the grandeur of the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum. The glass ceiling provided an unobstructed view of the sky, making us feel as if we were floating through a picturesque painting.

A special thank you goes to Alexandre Schaub of Sodexo Live! Hospitality for orchestrating such a memorable journey. The combination of exquisite cuisine, breath taking scenery, and the soothing rhythm of the river made this boat trip an unforgettable part of our trip to Paris.

After the boat trip we visited the Musee Parfum. We were guided through the artifacts by a guide from the museum. The museum has a collection of perfumes, bottles, and artifacts which gives you an insight of the artistry and craftsmanship of perfumery through the ages. There were antique flacons and ornate atomizers as well as iconic fragrances and contemporary designs. This showed how packaging and marketing plays an important part of attracting the consumer.

We were told how perfume is made and how fragrances are blended together and the different notes (smells) you get from one bottle of perfume!

There is an interactive section where we tested our sense of smell and had to try and guess what fragrance linked to what spice or flower. This is not as easy as you think!

Before finishing with a hands-on perfume workshop, where we got to craft our own signature scent. We were guided by our experienced guide. Each one of us came out with a unique fragrance.

"Did you know that theoretically perfumes were made unisex and still continue to be made as unisex. It is the marketing which makes it for men and women!"

After this we moved onto our next home for the night Paris Marriott Opera Ambassador Hotel, Benjamin Cordier and Veronika Rybnikarova - where we had drinks and dinner at the contemporary Sixteen Restaurant. Which serves a delicious French/European cuisine. After our wonderful meal we ended the evening with champagne and views of Paris on the Executive Floor.

Our last morning we went to the Galeries Lafayette Group which is a prestigious department store in Paris. This building is steeped in history. We felt like VIP’s as the store was opened especially for us! Wow we were in for a treat! The building was amazing with the most beautiful stained glass and iron work dome as well as amazing architecture. It looked like a theatre!

We were also hosted there for lunch. Thank you Elena GANDINI.

Within the food court there are lots of high end restaurants which can be used as an event space – giving an event a unique twist! They also have an amazing wine cave that really does look like a cave and where I got lost for a while exploring the beauty of the cave as well as all of the lovely wines.

We returned to the Paris Marriott Opera Ambassador Hotel – for a site visit. We saw a variety of contemporary meeting rooms, each designed to cater to different event sizes and types. These rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and flooded with natural light. One of the rooms is filled with amazing murals painted by an unknown artist. The artist couldn’t pay his hotel bill so traded his talent to pay for the hotel by painting the art work!

The hotel also has The contemporary Sixteen restaurant where we had dined the night before along with a beautiful terrace which can be enjoyed in the warmer weather and can be used for an event space. With it’s great location this hotel offers lots of MICE opportunities.

One last chance to explore..

We decided to explore some more of Paris, we were blessed that the sun was shining and it was beautiful day. We took a taxi over to see Sacre Coeur, Montmatre and the I love you wall. After many steps up to Montmatre we discovered this stunning historic hilltop area with stunning views of Paris. It is renowned for its artistic legacy and captivating charm.

We visited the I Love You Wall which has I love you written in many languages. This is nestled in the middle of Montmartre, this wall is aimed to symbolise the universal nature of love. Some might take the time to use this enchanting spot as a perfect romantic spot or to take a quiet moment of reflection.

We had a drink off of the cobbled streets in typical Parisian café over looking the market and artists in the square. The vibe and energy of watching the world go by and people interacting with the traders and artists was infectious. In the distance we could see the majestic Basilica of Sacré-Cœur.

Sacre Coeur, Montmartre - it’s a stunning white basilica that stands as a beacon of tranquillity and spirituality. It’s Romano-Byzantine design and Its grand façade is adorned with intricate carvings and statues, while the interior boasts a massive mosaic, one of the largest in the world, depicting Christ in Majesty. This beautiful building overlooks the breath-taking views of Paris, you can see the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral along with the rest of the city. It is quite a site to behold.

Summary:

Paris is ideal for conferences, team-building activities, and networking events, with venues catering to different group sizes and needs. The city's rich cultural heritage and world-class cuisine add a unique touch, ensuring memorable experiences for participants

Its central location in Europe and excellent transport links make it accessible for international attendees.

Get in touch to find out how we can assist you create and plan your event in Paris. Let's start planning!

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